VERC Enterprises purchases rectory to facilitate graduate service program with Stonehill College

BROCKTON, Mass. - Sept. 15, 2014 - PRLog -- VERC Enterprises (www.vercenterprises.com), a leading convenience store and Mobil/Gulf gasoline operator with locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire, recently completed renovations on the former Rectory adjacent to Trinity Academy (Trinity) in Brockton and has partnered with Stonehill College to facilitate a graduate curriculum under the auspices of the Stonehill College Service Corps program.

The building at 42 Wendell Avenue in Brockton, now known as the Community House at Trinity, was purchased by VERC Enterprises from the Archdiocese of Boston in the fall of 2013.  VERC Enterprises subsequently renovated the building and has leased it to Stonehill College.  The college serves as Catholic advisors to Trinity Academy; and, for the past two years has partnered with Trinity as part of its Service Corps program, sending recent graduates to work with Trinity and with inner city residents.

Prior to VERC Enterprises’ purchase and renovation of the 12-bedroom building, there was no housing for these Service Corps students.

That recently changed when the first residents began moving in. The Community House at Trinity is available to a select number of recent Stonehill graduates who have committed to a year of service. These students will live in the House for a year, receive a small stipend for expenses, and will work with various non-profit organizations in Brockton, including Trinity Academy.

“Our goal was to put this once active Rectory to good community use,” said Leo Vercollone, President of VERC Enterprises, noting that the inspiration for theCommunity House came from his parents, Margaret and Eugene Vercollone.

In fact, one of the rooms within the Community House, the Mickey & Gene Reading Room, is named in honor of Margaret and Eugene, who raised their seven children in the essence of the message of Jesus. Leo Vercollone said, “Their guiding principle of ‘What would Jesus do’ came through loud and clear, not only as they parented but also as they lived their lives.”

He added, “We believe that this Reading Room will serve as a representation and reflection of the values and ethics to which the Stonehill Corps members aspire.”

The Mickey & Gene Reading Room will celebrate its official opening on Wednesday, October 1, when Trinity Academy, VERC Enterprises and Stonehill Service Corps will host a celebration from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Community House, 42 Wendell Avenue. There will be a complimentary lunch and beverages offered, along with tours of Trinity’s Upper Campus and the Community House.

About VERC Enterprises

VERC Enterprises is the region’s leading, independent chain of convenience stores and gasoline stations, with locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  The company began 37 years ago with a single car wash in Marshfield, in a business founded by Eugene Vercollone. Today two of Mr. Vercollone’s sons operate the company, with Leo as President and Paul as Vice President. The firm has more than 230 employees and is a leader in hiring those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. In 2011 VERC Enterprises was recognized by the Boston Business Journal as a Best Place to Work in Massachusetts and as a Leader in Diversity and in 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the Boston Globe as a Best Place to Work in Massachusetts. For additional information, please visit the website, www.vercenterprises.com, or call 781-934-7300.